Forte, Bears run over Panthers

If anyone had any doubts about the Chicago Bears’ running game, then those doubts should be put to rest. The Bears (4-1) unleashed third-year running back Matt Forte early and often against the now 0-5 Carolina Panthers. Forte had over 100 yards in the first quarter, along with touchdown runs of 18 yards and 68 yards, and finished the game with a career-high 166 yards rushing. As a team, the Bears had a total of 218 yards on the ground.

With Jay Cutler out with a concussion, Lovie Smith decided to go with Todd Collins at quarterback. Collins’ performance was without a doubt the worst of his 16-year career. The 38-year old veteran had a passer rating of 6.2, completing only six of his 16 pass attempts for a miniscule 32 yards and four interceptions. Collins was replaced by Caleb Hanie late in the third quarter. Hanie, who was originally the Bears’ second-string quarterback before he injured his shoulder in the preseason, is more than likely to reclaim the number two quarterback spot.

The offensive line had a new look against the Panthers. Both right guard Edwin Williams and right tackle J’Marcus Webb started for the first time in their NFL careers. In addition to veterans Olin Kreutz, Roberto Garza, and Frank Omiyale, the offensive line looked a little better in their pass protection, only allowing three sacks—compared to the 10 sacks allowed against the New York Giants in Week 4.

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Although the Bears have shown some improvement in their running game and pass protection, the same can’t be said about their offense in goal line situations. Once again, Chicago was in a situation in the game where they could have scored a touchdown on the goal line, and the end result was one of Collins’ interceptions. Thus far this season, the Bears have failed to produce points nine times while on the goal line.

On the defensive side of the ball, all eyes were on Julius Peppers. The five-time Pro Bowl defensive end finished the game with four tackles and an amazing interception, in which he batted the ball in the air and caught the ball while diving to the ground. While all of the attention was on Peppers, Israel Idonije took advantage of the little attention that was put on him and ended up with a career-high three sacks. In total, the Bears brought down Panthers rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen five times—with the other two sacks coming from linebackers Lance Briggs and Pisa Tinoisamoa. Chicago’s defense only allowed 147 total yards, and for the first time this season didn’t allow a touchdown.

The combination of the Bears’ victory over the Panthers and the Washington Redskins defeating the Green Bay Packers in Week 5 resulted in Chicago having sole possession of first place in the NFC North. So far, the Bears have taken advantage of, what most people call, a soft first half schedule. However you want to look at it, Chicago is doing what they need to do to stay atop their division and the NFC.

By Clyde Speller
ProFootball-fans.com Chicago Bears Correspondent